The very first collection of superb short stories featuring Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings…

First there was the mystery of the film star and the diamond… then came the ‘suicide’ that was murder… the mystery of the absurdly cheap flat… a suspicious death in a locked gun-room… a million dollar bond robbery… the curse of a pharaoh’s tomb… a jewel robbery by the sea… the abduction of a Prime Minister… the disappearance of a banker… a phone call from a dying man… and, finally, the mystery of the missing will.

What links these fascinating cases? Only the brilliant deductive powers of Hercule Poirot!

1. The Adventure of The Western Star2. The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor3. The Adventure of The Cheap Flat4. The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge5. The Million Dollar Bond Robbery6. The Adventure of The Egyptian Tomb7. The Jewel Robbery at The Grand Metropolitan8. The Kidnapped Prime Minister9. The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim10. The Adventure of The Italian Nobleman11. The Case of The Missing Will

This is the third book in the Poirot series, and although they are standalone books, you should definitely check out review one and two first!

This review is probably going to be a long one, there were 11 short stories in this audiobook and I don’t want to miss a single thought, so I’m gonna outline each of the stories. I will say overall opinion would have to be these were super short and there wasn’t an awful lot to get involved with but I loved them just the same. Plus I’m going to highlight my favourite cases out of Poirot Investigates, you really are spoilt this time around.

The Adventure of the Western Star

I think this one was probably one of the favourites, I think the way that Poirot solved this case was hilarious and Hasting’s reaction to the ploy was one of my favourite moments of the entire collection. I definitely think that this book was the one to kick off with.

The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor

Definitely one of my favourites. The way that Poirot reveals the resolution is probably one of the best – this is probably going to be a recurring feature in this review. Poirot’s flare and attention to detail is always going to be the best things about these stories.

The Adventure of the Cheap Flat

I wasn’t massively impressed with this one, I enjoyed listening to the story but the characters left no real lasting impression and neither did the plot.

The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge

This was one where Poirot was missing and it was definitely felt. I missed his humour and the banter between him and Hasting. Plus the story was over too soon and I wasn’t overly impressed with the solution.

The Million Dollar Bond Robbery

I loved this one, it wasn’t my favourite but I definitely enjoyed trying to figure how the crime and who had done it. I just wished it was a little longer!

The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb

Poirot’s flare and attention to detail in this one means that this is definitely one of my favourites. I also think Hasting’s reaction to Poirot is one of the best, and I would have to say the way they catch the murderer was the best out of all of them!

The Jewel Robbery at The Grand Metropolitan

This was another one which left no lasting impression, I remember it vaguely but nothing more. It probably had a lovely serving of Poirot flare, and I’m kinda sad I can’t remember more about it.

The Kidnapped Prime Minister

I think this one was where it really highlighted the need for Poirot to follow his method and logic. I loved the way the whole thing played out especially with the misleading information. I thought it was great and definitely one that I would want to reread it.

The Disappearance of Mr Davenheim

I think the only thing I thought was really great about this one was the bet and watching Poirot challenge the inspector to solve the crime.and it was a great addition to Poirot Investigates. I just thought it was funny, not one of my favourites though.

The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman

This was a classic story and I never thought of how the crime was actually committed. The way it was revealed and the story behind it definitely peaked my interest. Probably in the top five of Poirot Investigates.

The Case of the Missing Will

Last but not least, my favourite. I think this one made me smile the most and I loved the premise behind it. The whole thing it was based really played into the things that Poirot was good at. I loved it.

Did you like the Poirot books? Or are you avoiding reading such a big series? Let me know in the comments!